Manakish is a round flatbread from the Levant, baked with a topping spread over the dough. A popular one is za'atar, an herb and spice blend mixed with olive oil. Others use cheese or seasoned ground meat. The dough is soft and slightly chewy, with edges that bake up golden.

Manakish is different from pizza because it has no tomato sauce and usually has a lighter topping. It is also different from plain flatbreads, which are baked without a topping. It is often eaten folded or rolled, sometimes with fresh vegetables, olives or labneh on the side. For halal cooking, use halal-certified meat for the meat toppings.

Questions folks ask

What is manakish?

It is a Middle Eastern flatbread baked with a topping such as za'atar, cheese or spiced meat.

What is za'atar?

It is a spice blend that often includes thyme, sesame seeds and sumac. You mix it with olive oil before spreading.

Can I make manakish ahead?

Yes. Make the dough a day early and keep it in the fridge. Bake the bread fresh, since it tastes best warm.

Kitchen tips

Mix za'atar with enough olive oil to make a spreadable paste.
Press dimples into the dough so the topping stays put.
Bake in a hot oven so the bread stays soft, not dry.
Serve warm with cucumber, tomato, mint or olives.
If using meat, cook it through and drain extra liquid from toppings.